Is there a better way for ministry and ministers?

There has to be a better way to be church!

I was at a Ministries Council overnight conference this week and politely people ask you over breakfast – “How did you sleep?”  Please tell me I am not the only person who wants to respond – “with my eyes closed!”  I can’t help it – the quick answer, the smart alec answer is always there on the tip of my tongue and I physically had to stop myself saying that out loud. 

But sometimes we have to speak honestly.    Part of the conference was about clergy self-care, and how we get ministers to look after themselves, especially in an environment where there is more work, less people.  Well, as the day went on I was getting more and more wound up, especially when people with influence said “it’s an impossible job” and we just accepted that with a laugh.  Basically we get on with it, and know that God is there for us. 

Well – me being me decided that wasn't fair.  And reminiscent of my children I spoke up and said something along the lines of “That’s not fair.  It’s not fair to keep piling work on us, tell us we have an impossible job and then expect us to do more! What is Ministries Council doing for us, what practical support can be given?”  I said a few other things as well but I won’t bore you with that and I am part of the Ministries Council so I am speaking to myself here as well.  The words that spilled out weren't thought out, they were words that poured out from frustration, a desire to be heard and for something sensible to be done.  And a number of people came and told me they agreed with everything I said!  It isn't fair.  We all know this but seem at a loss to do anything.

I sometimes wonder what ministry has become.  “They” can’t fix things because it is impossible so to do so nothing is done.  Are we going through the motions of ministry because we have been told that’s what we should do, and that’s what we see our colleagues doing?  Have we given up on providing real solutions because Scotland is too big, because ministers are office holders, because we dare not interfere, because it means money?  Am I destined to spend the next 30 years in ministry (God willing) constantly disappointing people because I can’t be everything, do everything that my congregation, my presbytery, my church expect or desire?  I am not sure I can live with that.  Is there a better way?  

I want to believe so.  I want to believe that the Church could do so much more because we remember we are God’s people, and the building, the institution are not the Church, merely vessels and resources.  There has to be another way – where we shake the very foundations and re-create for the 21^st century.  We need to localise practical, paid support.  We need to stop piling on work and design functioning resources, accessible by all congregations.  We need to start working together in clusters that share, support and encourage.  Those that hold the power need to stop hiding in their corners and start working together deliberately, with a shared vision that supports ministry across Scotland.  And we need to stop hiding behind “aye beens”, excuses and fear.  Building resilience in our clergy and helping us take responsibility for our self-care are valuable options but if predictions are correct even that won’t enough.  What point is there in an institution if all it does is demand more and give less?  It’s not fair and it’s not dealing with the problem. 

And yes I am an idealist, I am naïve, I am an optimist and I believe there has to be more.  And ministers we need to work together, fight together and get out of our own little boxes and pull together. 

Then I believe we can actually do ministry – all of us – not just ministers.  Jesus said “Go into all the world and make disciples”.  I want to make disciples not property experts.  I want to make disciples not fundraisers.  I want to make disciples not conflict managers.  I want to help the poor not take money to fix the roof.  I want to be a minister of Word and Sacrament. 

There aren't easy solutions but if we believe we are the family of God then miracles are available. 

I hope you are not offended by this and maybe you think I am wide of the mark, or neurotic.  Or just maybe now is the time to take a stand and do something revolutionary.

With man this is impossible.  With God all things are possible.

Is there a better way?  God, I hope so.  Amen.